10 Basic Things Every Car Owner Should Know

Owning a car is so exciting. The first days are just so thrilling when the car is still new. Wait until you run into mechanical issues and you will know that maintaining a car and owning one are two very different things. In fact, buying a car is cheaper than maintaining one when you do not arm yourself with knowledge on how to maintaining it.

Read through these 10 basic things that every car owner should know. It will save you lots of cash, time and give you peace of mind.

Regular Car Maintenance

For a first-time car owner, you are clueless and car maintenance may seem an expensive affair and it’s easy to just ignore because you think your car is still new. But someone who understands vehicles knows that regular car maintenance is critical, it is expensive but all worth it. Your vehicle comes with a manual that tells you what regular services your car needs.

Shocks and Struts

If you halt your car and you feel your car rocking back and forth or some rattling when going over the bumps then your shocks and struts have seen better days. This is very common with older cars. It is easy to ignore this signs because they happen over time.

Emergency Kit and Roadside Kit

Cars have a tendency of breaking down when you least expect it. Most car owners can relate to this. It is important that you always have an emergency kit with you and that includes roadside kits as well. Always ensure that you have a First aid kit, fire extinguisher, at least three reflective warning triangles, jumper cables, flashlight, foam tire sealant, tire gauge, tow rope, duct tape, and at least a warm blanket.

Brakes

You have to really monitor your brakes. They are such a safety concern. If you feel your steering shaking when you step on the brakes, get them checked because it might affect your car’s stability as well as the Anti-braking system.

Headlights and Taillights

These two lights get dimmer with time so it’s important that you monitor them. In fact, it’s recommended that you change your headlights every year.

Spare Tire

A spare tire is one of those things you know you must have even if you know nothing else about cars. A spare tire comes must be accompanied by tire changing tools. Don’t forget that lest you get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Make sure that you know how to change a tire as well. You can’t always be asking strangers to help, it’s not safe.

Vehicle Fluids

To keep your car running smoothly, you have to regularly check your car fluids. The most important being the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Car Tire Pressure

Monitoring your car tire pressure is one of the most important safety measures. It is supposed to be low neither too high. When pressure is too low, it will cause friction between the tire and the ground which will make the tire wear out very fast. On the other hand, when it is too high, it will cause less traction.

Flashing Check Engine Light

You should immediately get your car checked if you notice the engine light flashing. That is an indication that something is seriously wrong with your car and you should not drive it. It means that there is some sort of misfire and it can lead to catalytic converter damage or a loose gas cap.

Good Mechanic

Besides everything else that you will need to know as a car owner, getting yourself a good mechanic will save you lots of stress. Knowing that you have someone very knowledgeable and reliable is important. Someone whom you can get hold of easily and will respond almost immediately. Do not go for the cheapest, a cheap mechanic is expensive in the long run.

Final Words

Your car is going to be probably the second most expensive investment after your home. Therefore it deserves nothing but the best care and accessories such as the best car covers and mats, superior vehicle fluids and cleaning detergents if you self-clean. You should also invest in the best car covers to protect your car when it is not in use.

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About Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the Founder of EcoMENA, and an international consultant, advisor, ecopreneur and journalist with expertise in waste management, waste-to-energy, renewable energy, environment protection and sustainable development. His geographical areas of focus include Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.
Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biomass energy, biogas, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. He has participated in numerous conferences and workshops as chairman, session chair, keynote speaker and panelist.
Salman is the Editor-in-Chief of EcoMENA, and is a professional environmental writer with more than 300 popular articles to his credit. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability in different parts of the world.
Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org or salman@bioenergyconsult.com

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